Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790)

In the news this week are two controversies that at first look seem so different. The Confederate Battle Flag and the gay rights issue. But I think that they are the same issue. They both deal with freedom to express beliefs of a certain group of people.

The Confederate Battle Flag represents some of the people from the South rights to express their their belief, their history, their equality to everyone else. The gay rights movement is for all purposes the same expectation of freedom for their beliefs, history and equality to that of everyone else.

You do not have to agree with them. You are not being asked to limit your freedom or your rights and beliefs. You are being asked to allow them the same rights and freedoms you expect and enjoy as an American. Whether it is the Confederate Battle Flag or the gay rights issue, everyone should have the same rights as everyone else.

If gay rights are an expectation of American freedom then surely the Confederate Battle Flag and those that love it have the same expectation of American freedom as well.

The Constitution gives everyone the same rights, liberties and pursuits as every one else. We do not have to like it, believe it or approve of it. But a freedom to choose is a freedom to choose. Men and women have died to ensure that we all have this choice. There are no longer any second class citizens in the United States.

If you understand these things, you will be blessed if you do them. – John 13:17 Net Bible

Stand in awe, and don’t sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah. – Psalm 4:4